Contest Day 3

“That was challenging.”
“What a weird day.”
“Tore up from the floor up.”
“Nuclear sink.”

Winds were the biggest concern for the day. Uncle Hank gave an excellent safety talk on how to fly in strong winds and know your personal safety limits. Landing on 32 grass was also discussed as that option would be best later in the day once the winds shifted NW. The decision was made to tow everyone to 2500ft agl to give pilots a better chance to connect with the lift and minimize relights. We started the day a bit later than usual, gridding at 1215. First on the grid and defacto sniffer John Seymour [SM] launched 1235. He had no joy initially but finally reported 2.5kts, so launch started at 1255. Both tasks opened without delay: FAI at 1325 and Sports at 1357.

By all accounts, it was a difficult and challenging day. Early afternoon during the launch, the winds began to shift and pick up. Lots of cu, some streeting, but the clouds were ragged. A few pilots had trouble getting high enough to start and we watched them on the local ridge for at least an hour. Others found 6kts thermals and started out of the top of the cylinder only find wicked sink up at the first turn. Thermals were ripped up low but more workable if you stayed above 4000ft: 3kts ave, 6kts best. Cloudbase was 7000ft+. Strong sink was reported between the lift lines. Cloud streets did not work well but “magic” 6kts thermals could be found out in the blue. While the whole task could not be flown on the ridge, the ridge became the safety net when pilots could not connect with the thermals.

We had a tie in Sports Class for day winner: John Bloomfield [RG] and Hank Nixon with Lindsey Chew [K21] both 42.81mph/85-87mi handicapped. John jumps into first place overall, but only 55pts separate the top four. John Seymour [Team SM] ekes out a win in FAI with 41.84mph/109.46mi actual, 35.35mph/92.5mi handicapped. Erik Mann [P3], second for the day by one point, retains first place overall.

Bo and Roman Michalowski treated us to a pierogi and kielbasa dinner again this year. Delicious! Or maybe I should say “Przepyszny!” Most contests have their “signature meal” and I think this is it for Wurtsboro.

Janine